The Director of State Relations coordinates the activities of the university on matters relating to the state legislature, statewide elected officials, state agencies and commissions, and the Oregon University System (OUS), Oregon Education Investment Board (OEIB), and Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). As required by law, the state relations director is registered as the university’s lobbyist to the Oregon Legislature. The director monitors all state legislation, state policy proposals, statewide ballot measures and elections, assessing implications and opportunities for the university. The director is the liaison between the university and the governor, legislators, Oregon University System, State Board of Higher Education, state agencies, and statewide elected officials. The director provides critical support of the university’s administrative functions to achieve strategic goals with state government agencies and departments. The director also works closely with the office of the university president, providing critical staffing support, including briefing memoranda, testimony preparation, talking points, and general staffing support when the president travels on business related to the university fulfilling its mission to the state of Oregon. This executive support is coordinated with the president’s office.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s or law degree preferred.

Five years of experience in state legislative affairs and/or legislative advocacy, experience with higher education and/or state budgeting preferred.

Commitment to and experience with promoting and enhancing diversity and equity.

Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Application Procedure:

This position is open until filled. Completed applications must include the following: Cover letter which addresses the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; Current resume; names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three current references who can comment on the applicant's qualifications for the position. At least one should be a supervisor; Answers to the supplemental questions below, please keep answers to two pages total:

1. Describe your experience participating, coordinating or managing the passage or defeat of a bill in a state legislature.
2. Share instances of collaboration on policy work or advocacy activities with people different from yourself.
3. Share your experience providing policy staff support to executive or elected leadership.
4. Describe your experience coordinating or managing difficult or controversial policy or budget issues.

The application materials should be packaged as one PDF attachment and emailed to eweber@uoregon.edu. Applications may also be submitted via USPS to:

Elizabeth Weber

University Relations

Attn: Director, State Relations
1270 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1270

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity
· 677 East 12th Ave., Suite 452 · 5221 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5221Office (541) 346-3123, Fax (541) 346-4168 · This announcement is available in alternate formats upon request.
If you are a qualified applicant with a disability and need accommodation with the application process, please contact us for assistance.